The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, and Daniel Sanchez, Camp Director for Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Higher Things Confirmation Camp happening August 3-6 at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in Solon, Iowa, what campers will be studying during this time, how the unique camp setting adds a fun experience to studying the catechism, and how to register. Learn more at either campiodiseca.org or higherthings.org/confirmationcamp.

Rev. Seth Moorman, LCMS National Youth Gathering Planner and pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how volunteers serve at the National Youth Gathering, how these volunteers are critical to the success of the Gathering, and how to apply for all of the various opportunities. Learn more at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer.

Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the historical significance of the events of April 18, 1521, what these events at the Diet of Worms and Martin Luther's actions mean for us today in our Lutheran church, where the idea of Here I Stand Sunday began, and how congregations can participate.
 
 Find all resources at lcms.org/here-i-stand-sunday.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about generations and mental health, including what "generativity" is and how we approach this term, why caring about the generations to come is important for our mental health, and what scripture says about God's love for all generations. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the March 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary," about the second phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Mark Cannon, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer with LCMS Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what LCMS Foundation does in their daily work, what an intern with LCMS Foundation would experience and learn, and what makes this opportunity unique. Learn more about LCMS Foundation and the internship opportunities at lcmsfoundation.org/careers.

Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of LCMS Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to highlight two upcoming Life Events: March on the Arch in St. Louis, and the virtual Life Conference. March on the Arch takes place on Saturday, March 6, in St. Louis, and the LCMS will have a large presence. To get all the details, register at lcms-life.org/marchlifeevent2021. The LCMS Life Conference will happen virtually on March 19-20, and feature both live speakers and a library of recorded presentations for you to browse at your convenience. Find the lineup of speakers and register for the conference at lcms-life.org. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how boys and girls are created differently, what is important for boys to learn in order to become men of character, and concepts that Trail Life USA troop participants learn throughout their experiences. Learn more about Trail Life USA and how to find or start at troop in your area at traillifeusa.com.

Mike Thirtle, CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, and Marilyn Kauppinen, grandmother of Bethesda client Carl, join Andy and Sarah to share Marilyn and Carl's story of help and hope through Bethesda, how Bethesda makes a difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities, and how people can get involved in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Learn more about Bethesda Lutheran Communities at bethesdalc.org. Watch Marilyn and Carl's story at youtu.be/YMKT3NgxWOI.

Dr. Charles Brown, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and conductor of the Kapelle choir at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the last year's impact on singing choral music at CUC, the selections for the upcoming concert at St. Paul's in Des Peres, MO, and how to attend this concert. Preregistration is required for the 4 p.m. Concert. Click here to register. Sunday, March 7, 4:00 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church 12345 Manchester Rd., Des Peres, MO Concert will also be livestreamed. Learn more at stpaulsdesperes.org/music.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about reflecting on a year of life with the impacts of Covid, including covid chaos, covid cancellations, covid crisis, and covid with Christ: gifts, grace, and growth that have occurred over the last year. Share your covid-versary stories with us by sending an email to [email protected].
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, and Rev. William Cwirla, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, join Andy and Sarah for a lively conversation about information gluttony, including how information accessibility has changed over the last 3-5 decades, how we consume information differently than previous generations, reflections on Brett McCracken's Wisdom Pyramid (which you can find at brettmccracken.com/blog/2017/8/3/the-wisdom-pyramid), and how we sift through what to consume from the internet and social media.

Rev. Robert Mohns, Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church—Canada’s West Region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the significance of dust and where we hear about it in Scripture, how we are reminded of our "dust reality" in our daily lives, the relationship between Adam's dust and Jesus' death and resurrection, and where our hope lies even in the midst of our dusty lives. Read Pastor Mohns' article "Dust You Are" at canadianlutheran.ca/dust-you-are.

Leah Sieveking, Assistant to the President for Mission Advancement for the LCMS Missouri District, and Casey Carlson, LCEF District Vice President for Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about this Spring's unique Missouri District Statewide Servant Event happening April 16-25, why servant events are valuable, how this event has inspired people to serve each other, and how anyone can participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. Learn more and register your group at mo.lcms.org/shine.

Rev. Brian Davies, author of Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community from Concordia Publishing House, and also pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and Chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what true community is, what has happened to that sense of community in our culture and congregations, what God's Word teaches us about community, and how Christ overcomes isolation in our lives. Find Pastor Davies' book at cph.org/community.

Phylan Peters-Bahkou, Lutheran High School South (St. Louis) American Sign Language and Theater Arts Teacher, and ASL students Morgan and Lillian join Andy and Sarah to share their stories about teaching and learning American Sign Language at Lutheran South. Phylan talks about how she became interested in ASL, how she has seen ASL and learning about the Deaf community make a real difference in her life and the life of her friends, and why it's important to teach this language to young people. Morgan and Lillian share why they're interested in ASL, what they've been learning in class, and how they hope to use this language in the future. Find more information about learning ASL in your local community at nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/learning-american-sign-language.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to intimacy, the vulnerability timeline from creation through brokenness to restoration, shields we use to protect ourselves, and how God's shield of faith and grace is the answer to these things. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, worship director for the LCMS and International Center chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do devotions at home, simple formats to use, and how this is beneficial to family life. Find the PrayNow App for Android and Apple, along with the Treasury of Daily Prayer and Lutheran Service Book, at cph.org. Find downloadable Daily Prayers at cph.org/care. Find resources available from the LCMS at lcms.org/coronavirus. This is a rebroadcast from March 16, 2020.

Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we usually respond to people when they experience tangible losses, how ambiguous losses are different than tangible losses, and how we can support the young people in our lives who may be hurting. Read Julianna's article on Youth E-Source at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss and a version of this article for people of all ages at blogs.lcms.org/2020/showing-christs-love-in-times-of-ambiguous-loss. This is a rebroadcast from May 15, 2020.

Kristen Sorth, Director of the St. Louis County Library, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new GrandPad program through the County Library, including how these older-adult friendly tablets can help reduce isolation, how an older adult might use a GrandPad, and all the great features and accessories included in this program. Register for a GrandPad and learn more about the program at slcl.org/using-the-library/grandpads.

Donna Snow, author of several Bible studies available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her latest Bible Study "Chosen: A Study of Esther," including why she was inspired to write about Esther, what she learned while researching for this study, and what women will gain from going through the Bible study. Find your copy at cph.org/chosen.

Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker— Senior Assistant to the President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Dr. Mark Bender— Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the legacy of the late Dr. Carl Schalk, who died on January 24, 2021. Dr. Vieker and Dr. Bender share stories of learning from Dr. Schalk, his views on church music and the life of the church, and the enormous impact he had on Lutheran church music and musicians. Resources mentioned about Dr. Schalk include: "Carl Schalk: A Life in Song" by Nancy Raabe — cph.org "Thine the Amen: Essays on Lutheran Church Music" — amazon.com "Singing the Church's Song: Essays and Occasional Writing" — fortresspress.com "First Person Singular" — morningstarmusic.com "More First Person Singular" — morningstarmusic.com Read his LCMS Reporter obituary at blogs.lcms.org and a Memoriam CPH Blog post at blog.cph.org.

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, senior pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, California, and author of “Faith that Sees through the Culture” and now “Faith That Engages the Culture“ available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it takes to witness effectively in today's world; the three touch points of person, place and perspective that help us witness effectively; and how we can use this knowledge and empathy to witness on today's current topics. Find Pastor Espinosa's books at cph.org.

Rev. Philip Robbins, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week for February 14-20, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Sun City West, what makes Crown of Life a unique congregation, and how members have been able to serve the community. Learn more about Crown of Life at colchurch.com.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about growing in intimacy for our spiritual and mental health, including intimacy versus isolation as a developmental conflict, how Satan tries to drive us apart especially in our most intimate relationships, the Old Adam versus New Adam in our struggles in intimacy, and how personality plays into this dynamic. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the legacy of Michael Praetorius, including his education and experiences in Germany at the turn of the 17th century, the amount of church music he composed and influenced, and what is legacy is for us today. Find the book mentioned in this episode, "Heaven Is My Fatherland," at Amazon.com.

Natyra Crawford, Graduate of Project Invest through Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of Project Invest, including her journey to becoming an educator, how this program has been immensely helpful for her and her cohorts, the successes she's had in the classroom, and how Project Invest has helped her achieve her educational goals. Read her story at blog.cuw.edu/project-invest and learn more about Project Invest from Concordia University Wisconsin at cuw.edu.

Jessica Ingraham, Director of Education with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk SoundLab, about a wonderful free music education resource for families, including how music education helps kids and families work through social and emotional aspects of social distancing and stress, the amazing impact this program has already had in classrooms nationwide, the science and technology incorporated into music, and how families can participate. Learn more and register for the digital downloads and watch parties at slso.org/family.

Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in St Louis, Missouri, and Burnell Hackman, Director Music Ministry at Peace Lutheran, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Lenten services serve the Body of Christ during this penitential season, the organ recitals that will follow Lenten services broadcast on KFUO Radio, and how these things are edifying for the Church. Listen to these services and recitals beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT at kfuo.org (or AM850 in St. Louis) during Wednesdays in Lent. Learn more about Peace Lutheran at peacelutheranstl.org and the schedule for the organ concerts at peacestlmusic.org.

Coach Lewis Smith, Head Coach of Concordia University Wisconsin Esports, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Esports are, how they began at CUW, how the teams have thrived during the coronavirus pandemic, and how the teams compete. Learn more at cuwfalcons.com/sports/esports/index and follow their matches at twitter.com/CUWEsports.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what intimacy is and isn't, how intimacy is different from connection and community, skill sets such as communication and being known, and intimacy versus isolation. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the February 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "In Jesus Christ," about the first phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

FLAME, Grammy-nominated hip hop artist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he creates hip hop music with deep Lutheran theological thought, how he's been able to have a variety of theological conversations based on the music he creates, details on his latest EP "Christ For You" on the Lord's Supper, and what's next in the Extra Nos series. Follow him on social @Flame314 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find his music at clearsightmusic.com and on any digital music platform.
 
 Included in this episode: FLAME’s title track, “Christ For You,” from his new EP “Christ For You,” and "2KR" from the original "Extra Nos" EP. Used with permission. Find all of FLAME's music at clearsightmusic.com.

Signe White, Executive Director of Camp Perkins near Hailey, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Camp Perkins plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for youth and families this summer, what makes Camp Perkins a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Camp Perkins at campperkins.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.

Deaconess Tiffany Manor— Director of LCMS Life Ministry, and Deaconess Rachel Jaseph Director of The Shepherd's Hand Community Outreach Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the life-affirming events that have been happening around the country, how Shepherd's Hand serves the community around Fort Wayne, and the life-affirming message that is proclaimed through these events. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life and Shepherd's Hand Community Outreach Center at shepherdshandfw.org.

Rachel Bomberger—writer, editor, home-educator, mom, wife to US Navy Chaplain, and co-host of The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast—joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences entering into the traditions and culture of military life, her encounter with the tradition of Morning and Evening Colors, and how this tradition has become part of her own life. Read her article in the online Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2020/praying-colors-morning-and-evening. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. This is a rebroadcast from October 6, 2020.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about resilience and growth, including what resilience is, where we see stories of resilience in the Bible, where we have resilience in our own lives, and and skills for building resilience in ourselves and others. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the support that leaders in youth ministry need, how National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference offers support to those serving in youth ministry, and what youth can learn in YouthLead at National. Learn more and find details for National at lcmsgathering.com/national-2021.

Mr. Mike Schiemann, Principal at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School in Cornelius, Oregon, and students Parker, Shani, Alina, and Micah join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School, what a typical day looks like for these students, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School serves the families of the students who attend there. Learn more about Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School at fhlcs.org.

Dr. Craig Oldenburg, Camp Director at Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Camp Concordia plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for youth this summer, what makes Camp Concordia a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Camp Concordia at campconcordia.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.

Mr. Timothy Merritt, high school principal and teacher at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, and high school students John, Olivia, David, and Slade join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Faith Lutheran, what a typical day looks like for these students, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Faith Lutheran serves the families of the students who attend there. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.

Dr. Mark Bender— Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, Kelly Schumacher— Liturgical artist, and Erin Bode— recording artist, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Art & Song event at St. Paul's, including the aim of liturgical art, what art Kelly will be showing, how hymnody has influenced Erin's musical formation, and the sons Erin will be singing. Find all of Kelly's work at agnusdeiarts.com and Erin's music at erinbode.com. Sunday, January 31, 2021 Art Exhibit 2:00-6:00 p.m. Concert 4:00 p.m. Covid guidelines will be followed and pre-registration is required. Find details at stpaulsdesperes.org/music and register through signupgenius.com.

Mrs. Jocelyn Benson, Head Teacher for Wittenberg Academy, and Scholars Douglas, Joanna, and Sarah join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Wittenberg Academy, what a typical day looks like for these scholars, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Wittenberg Academy serves students in a variety of places. Learn more about Wittenberg Academy at wittenbergacademy.org.

Professor Eugene Pitchford, professor in Concordia University Wisconsin's School of Education and a program director of Project Invest, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Project Invest began, who is served by this program, the successes that have come from the program, and how the students who complete this program serve their communities. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/project-invest and cuw.edu/academics/schools/education/outreach/project-invest.html.

Rev. Bob Riggert, Author of the "Sent to Serve" Chapel Talks for LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Schools are important today, what happens in a Lutheran chapel service, and the theme for the National Lutheran Schools Week chapel talks. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and the Chapel Talks for 2020-2021 at files.lcms.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about relationships and growth, including how we begin relationships, how we make and receive bids for connection with those around us, and how we grow relationships with our friends and family. This week, pay attention to how you bid for connection with others, and how you react to others when they bid for connection with you! More info at: heidigoehmann.com/blog/bids-for-connection gottman.com Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Bobby Schroeder— Pianist and Director of Music Ministry St John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, and Daniel Burroughs, Producer, join Andy to talk about Bobby's musical journey, the aim of his music, what goes into the process of making a new album, and his approach to composing new original music. Learn more and listen to Bobby's music at bobbyschroeder.com. Music in this episode: Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me ©2021 Bobby Schroeder, used with permission.

Rev. Brady Finnern, new host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio and pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, Minnesota, joins Andy to share his story, explain just how Minnesotan he really is, what he's looking forward to as host of Thy Strong Word, why it's important to study the Word of God, and what he hopes to accomplish with Thy Strong Word. Read his bio at kfuo.org/author/bradyfinnern and find all Thy Strong Word episodes at kfuo.org/thystrongword.

Steve Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Woodland Park, Colorado, joins Andy to talk about how LVR plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for children and youth this summer, what makes LVR a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Lutheran Valley Retreat at lvr.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.

Bethany Andrews, Director of Engagement for Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, joins Andy to talk about how Camp Lutherhaven plays a part in Christian formation for everyone who visits, what makes Camp Lutherhaven unique, opportunities for children and youth this summer, and openings for summer camp staff. Learn more about Camp Lutherhaven at lutherhaven.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.